Staddon family to cycle from Mudeford to Paris and back for RNLI

THREE family members are set to embark on an epic bike ride to Paris and back in a bid to raise £2,000 for Mudeford Lifeboat Station.

RNLI volunteer Graeme Staddon from Highcliffe, together with his wife Elinor and son Toby, will begin their 420-mile round trip on Sunday, departing from the Mudeford Lifeboat fun day.

They hope to reach Paris in three days, returning home on 21st July. The first day will see the adventurous trio cover 50 miles to Portsmouth where they will board the overnight ferry to Caen.

Day two will be a daunting 90-mile leg to Evreux, before the final 70-mile push to Paris. Then they have to do it all again in reverse. They only have themselves for support for the entire journey and will be wearing RNLI shirts en route.

Excited and “slightly daunted” by the fundraising challenge, Graeme, said: “For me this trip is the best of both worlds – a stunning journey with my family through the UK and France countryside and the chance to raise money for a charity I deeply care about. Thank you everyone for all your support and encouragement.”

Ssupporters have so far pledged more than £1,200 of the £2,000 fundraising goal. All money will go to Mudeford Lifeboat station which is manned by volunteers and is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.

To support the challenge visit www.justgiving.com/page/mudeford-dla-bike-ride2023